Theft accusation in Vellmar: 82-year-old defends himself against Edeka

Theft accusation in Vellmar: 82-year-old defends himself against Edeka

A sensational incident in the Edeka Markt Möller in Vellmar recently attracted public attention. An 82-year-old man was accused of stolen chopped worth 2.61 euros. But the circumstances that led to this accusation are more complex than it may seem at first.

The situation started when the senior accepted chopped chopping counter when shopping. After a brief consideration, however, he decided not to buy the meat because he feared that it could spoil the hot temperatures during his half -hour way home. So he put the product back on a shelf and only paid the other articles that he had selected. "I know that was a mistake," he admits, but he emphasizes that he had nothing to do with the intention of stealing.

The police measures and the challenges for the seniors

A few days later, the man returned to the Edeka market and was immediately addressed by the boss of the business, who accused him of theft. Despite the fact that the surveillance cameras show that he accepted the chopped on the fresh counter, there is no recording that shows that he paid for it. The senior argued that he no longer had the chopped in his shopping bag when he left the shop.

The situation escalated when the market owner called the police. The older gentleman was supported by officials in the shop and was faced with the accusation that he had stolen. He was suggested to sign an explanation according to which he had to pay 200 euros, which was referred to as a processing fee. The senior was overwhelmed and refused to pay this amount because he considered this to be exaggerated.

he felt guilty and decided to pay 52.61 euros, which corresponded to the original price of the chopped and an additional sum in order to show his responsibility. However, this payment had no effect on the claims of the Edeka market, which continued to insist on its demands.

The reactions of the market owners and other supermarkets

Sven Möller, the owner of the Edeka market, expressed little understanding of the incident and emphasized that theft should be strictly persecuted in his opinion. "I can't help that he steals. I take every thief responsible," he said. Möller argued that the processing fee of 200 euros was justified because it had significant expenses to evaluate the recordings of the surveillance cameras and document the incident.

In the wider supermarket landscape, however, it turns out that not all markets take the same measures. While Möller insists on his fees, other EDEKA markets and supermarkets such as Rewe or new purchase only require 100 euros for theft. Marika Hofmann, who runs several markets, explained that they also raise uniform fines for theft and would not go beyond 100 euros in such a case either.

The legal aspects are also remarkable: the case against the older gentleman was brought to court, but quickly hired. The public prosecutor considered it an individual case and excluded a repetition, which gave the senior some relief.

a final look at the case

The case of the 82-year-old is a humiliating and confusing experience for those involved. Möller and the senior could not agree on a solution, which means that the arbitration office in Vellmar will now decide on the matter next. This incident raises questions about dealing with small thefts and shows how different business owners have different approaches to use such incidents.

It remains to be seen how the case will develop and what teachings can be drawn from it, both for those affected and for the supermarkets in the region.

The role of supermarkets for shoplifting

shoplifting is a serious problem that has both economic and social implications. According to a study by the Germany (HDE) trade association (HDE), the damage caused by shop theft in 2022 was around 5.4 billion euros. This number includes direct loss costs and expenses for prevention measures such as the Installation of security cameras and personnel for surveillance. Supermarkets are particularly affected because the large number of products and the width of the goods presentation make it easier to escape unnoticed.

Another aspect is the psychological effect on the sales staff. Studies show that employees often feel insecure when they observe thefts. This can lead to stress and a bad working atmosphere. Dealers are therefore often forced to develop clear guidelines, as is the case with suspected theft to protect their employees and maintain business operations. Edeka is not an isolated case here; It is common for business to take legal action in the event of repeated or special incidents or impose fines.

Legal framework and consequences

In Germany, the lovage of the shop is considered a crime in accordance with Section 242 of the Criminal Code (StGB). The theft is defined as an unauthorized withdrawal of a strange movable thing. Depending on the value of the stolen goods, the thief can expect fines or imprisonment for up to five years. However, there is also the possibility to agree out of court, which often leads to lower punishments, as in the current case of the 82-year-old.

The procedure of the supermarkets to request a fishing bonus is legally controversial, since they are usually not in relation to the value of the stolen goods. However, this practice aims to deter potential thieves and point out the consequences of theft. The legal steps that a retailer takes in dealing with thieves can vary greatly; Some dealers immediately consider going to the police, while others are initially looking for a dialogue.

social dimensions of shoplifting

shoplifting is not only a legal, but also a social challenge. As part of social studies, it has been shown that economic factors such as poverty or lack of financial resources are often mentioned as reasons for thefts. Many people who come from precarious circumstances see theft as the last resort to cover their basic needs.

In addition, it is often critically noted that the reactions of the retailers to such acts or in writing, as observed in the current case of the 82-year-old, cause different social reactions. While some understanding of the situation of the perpetrator shows, many market owners demand consistent measures to prevent others from preventing similar acts. Such tensions often lead to a debate about the right balance between security and understanding the economic circumstances of the perpetrators.